Porcupine Hills; Credit: Colynn/Flickr
Have you heard of an enticing area called the Crown of the Continent? Surprise! Southwest Alberta falls within this incredible zone, offering up some of the best outdoor experiences, scenic vistas and historic sites. The term Crown of the Continent refers to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, along with the surrounding communities in Alberta, British Columbia and Montana.
The southwest of the province of Alberta includes some of the mountainous regions, but also spreads across the foothills and prairies, encompassing hamlets and towns of all sizes, along with sprawling ranches and farmland. A journey here will produce memories of a lifetime. Check out the National Geographics page for a free map guide of the Crown of the Continent area.
Explore Waterton National Park
The southernmost National Park in Alberta, Waterton is a special place to visit this summer. Along with incredible vistas of the mountains, lakes, waterfalls and rivers, you will find an abundance of flora and fauna, especially in the early summer, when wildflowers and animal life abound.
To keep yourself busy you can investigate the many hiking trails, take a scenic boat cruise, drive the scenic highways and byways, go kayaking or canoeing or use your SUP board, golf, fish and so much more.
You can check out the unique stores and restaurants in Waterton townsite and stay in one of the local hotels or camp at one of the many campgrounds available. Plan to spend a day, or two, or a week or two, there will be no lack of things to do and amazing views. Just like all National Parks, remember that there is an entrance fee to get in.
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Spend Some Outdoor Time in Police Outpost Provincial Park
Located right by the Montana border, this gem of a provincial park is perfect for those looking for a place to camp (no services) or to spend a day enjoying the area. This park gets its name from a Northwest Mounted Police outpost established at this location in 1891 to deal with whiskey runners.
With a neighbouring protected wetlands area that is home to more than 80 species of birds, along with the wildlife that is commonly seen here, this could be your outdoor paradise this summer.
There is fishing, hiking, mountain biking and, of course, on the water activities. Don’t forget to get your fishing license if you plan to drop a line in.
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Visit the Remington Carriage Museum
This impressive museum, located in the town of Cardston, was started by a donation of 48 historic carriages by a private collector – Don Remington. Now housing 270 fantastically unique carriages, from a lofty open landau used by Queen Elizabeth II to a lowly wooden tank wagon that once watered the streets of Fernie, B.C., this is now the largest collection in the world.
The museum has a workshop where you can see crafters repairing or restoring the horse drawn vehicles or their components, interactive displays and a variety of horses stabled nearby. Check their website to make sure they are open (dependent on provincial health regulations) before visiting. Details
Address: 623 Main Street, Cardston
Step into History at the Card Pioneer Home
Located in the town of Cardston, this pioneer home will give you a glimpse of the past life of the Card family. Mr. Card was the first Mormon to move into the area, and he built this log cabin in 1887. His wife, Zina Presendia Young Williams Card, was one of Brigham Young’s children.
This registered Provincial Historic Site was the first lodging for travellers until a hotel was built nearby. There are usually volunteers here to tell you the history of the building and the family. There is no admission fee but donations are welcome.
Address: 337 Main Street, Cardston
Hang out at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
This pretty lake and provincial park are located about 24 kilometres southwest of Pincher Creek. This is definitely a hidden gem in this part of the province and well worth a visit if you are an outdoors person.
There are 30 kilometres of trails to be enjoyed by hiking or biking, and you can spend time fishing and camping here as well. Bring your kayak or canoe to enjoy skimming along the clear waters.
Be aware that there are elk, moose, cougars, wolves, black bears and grizzly bears which inhabit the area, so take precautions when you are out travelling the trails.
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Visit the Lebel Mansion
Originally a home, then converted into a hospital, this fantastic historical building is now the home of the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek. It is dedicated to cultivating creativity in southwest Alberta, and is home to an art gallery and gift shop featuring local artists and artisans.
The building and the art inside are well worth seeing, but the crown jewel here very well may be the gardens. The phenomenal rose garden here has an incredible 55 varieties of roses! Check the website for open days and hours before visiting.
Address: 696 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek
Spend the Day at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village
This fun pioneer village is a great collection of churches, commercial buildings and homes from the late 1800’s, and gives visitors a chance to see what life was like when the southwest was transitioning into cattle ranches and industrial areas. You can spend time exploring the site and then enjoy the onsite gift shop and gallery. You will probably want to dedicate a good portion of the day to visit here. Check the website to see if the museum portion is open (due to provincial health orders). The store and gallery is open daily through July and August.
Address: 1037 Bev McLachlin Drive, Pincher Creek
Visit the Heritage Acres Museum
Agriculture is an important part of the history in this area of Alberta, so to have a museum near Pincher Creek that highlights this area makes sense. Learn about the settlers and the agricultural industry in the province with a visit to this delightful museum.
Operated by the Old Man River Antique Equipment and Threshing Club, the exhibits include an elegant working steam tractor, a functioning grain elevator and an interesting steam-powered sawmill.
A stately red barn, built by Doukhobor settlers and rescued from drowning under the waters of the Oldman Reservoir, houses a permanent collection of elaborately crafted models of farming equipment. With fun events throughout the summer months, this is a good place to spend a bit of time this season. Check their website for open hours and days before visiting.
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Get Some First Nation’s History at the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
This interesting UNESCO World Heritage Site is the focal point of native history in this area and, of course, is the best place to engage with members of today’s Blood and Piikani Blackfoot communities. The interpretive center and pathways will transport you to the past when the First Nations of this area used this buffalo jump for their traditional way of bison hunting. The history here extends back 6,000 years and there is much to experience and explore here. Check the website to see if they are open before visiting.
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Enjoy the Waters of Lumbreck Falls
In between Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass, right off the Crowsnest Highway, this pretty waterfall is easy to access for those who would like a beautiful view without much effort. This 12-foot drop waterfall is gorgeous at any time of year, but of course, as the summer wanes on you may find that it gushes a little less. You can easily view the falls from the observation platform, or if you are a bit more adventurous, head down on the hike to the bottom to get an up-close and personal look at the rushing waters. There is also a small campground in the Provincial Recreation Area.
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Go into the Dark at the Bellevue Underground Coal Mine
Located in the incredible Crowsnest Pass, this site is a must-visit if you are in the area. In 1961, this coal mine took its last load out, after being open since 1903. There is an interesting history here that you may not be aware of – the history of a communist community in Alberta, along with the mean business of mining. Now, you can visit with a local miner as a guide, to hear the stories and background of this dark place. Beware, the mine is reputed to be haunted!
Address: 2531 213 St, Bellevue
Learn History at the Frank Slide Historic Site
On April 29th, 1903, a horrific event happened which devastated the Crowsnest Pass area and killed 90 people. This historic site will give you the opportunity to learn all about the slide, how and why it happened, and the people and mining community that was affected. Spend some time at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre viewing their new multimedia exhibits before taking a walk through the debris field to appreciate the scale of the boulders that tumbled across the valley. Check social media or their website to see if they are open before visiting.
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Hike Turtle Mountain
Known to the First Nations as “the mountain that moves”, this is one of the all-time favourite hikes in the Crowsnest Pass. This is the mountain that was responsible for the deadliest rock slide (mentioned above – The Frank Slide) that caused 80 tonnes of rock, considered the turtle’s shell, to crash down on the town of Frank in 1903. The hike itself is just over 6 kilometers return, with an elevation gain of 900 meters. This challenging hike will reward you with incredible views of the slide and the surrounding area.
The parking for Turtle Mountain is located at the end of a gravel road near 134 Street and 15 Avenue in Blairmore. To get there, turn left onto 129 Street from Highway 3. Take a left at 19th Avenue, then right on 132nd Street; 132nd will turn into 15 Ave. At the T-intersection, turn right. 1 block later, take a right onto the dirt road across from the cul-de-sac. Follow it for about half a kilometre to the parking area at the top of a rise. Yellow markers painted at the base of the cliffs just past the parking area indicate the trailhead.
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Visit Leitch Collieries
Located at the eastern end of Crowsnest Pass, this site was an ambitious, entrepreneurial venture which never worked out. Due to the long stretching effects of a massive strike, the loss of major customers and the start of World War I, the mining company that built the beautiful structures and community here ended in financial ruin. When open, there are interpretive guides to take you around the site and answers questions. You will need about an hour to experience the whole site. Check open hours before travelling to visit.
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Fly Fish in the Crowsnest River
With a reputation across the country of being one of the classic dry fly-fishing rivers, the Crowsnest River is the perfect place for those who prefer to wade rather than boat. Early settlers stocked the river with both brown and rainbow trout, of which now rainbow trout are the dominant species. The season starts in mid-June and this river usually has clear waters within a week or two of opening. If you need some guidance or would like to book a guided fishing trip, check out the local Crowsnest Café & Fly Shop, just one of the many operators that can provide you with what you need.
Hang out in Castle Provincial Park and Wildland Park
In the deep southwest of the province, you will come across wonderful wilderness to explore and enjoy this summer. With more than 100,000 hectares, this provincial park offers adventurers the opportunity to spend the day or camp overnight. The stunning scenery of mountains, rolling hills and forests will certainly make you want to stay. There are hiking trails to be explored, a boat launch so you can spend some time on the water with your own vessel, fishing and geocaching. Make sure to check the website for any advisories or warnings (there can be bears here)!
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Visit the North West Mounted Police Museum
Fort Macleod is home to the fabulous North West Mounted Police Museum, which tells the history of how 275 mounted police were sent here in 1874 to repel American interlopers. Today, you are welcomed to the museum by red-coated volunteers who portray the cavalry-based force, which eventually became the core of today’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Fort Museum also portrays the relations between the NWMP and local Blackfoot, with native ways and artistry honoured in a substantial collection of fine clothing and domestic artifacts. You can also find interesting artifacts of the 19th century life featured in the collection here. Don’t forget to sign up for your seat to watch the incredible musical ride! Check the website for open days and times.
Address: 219 25 St, Fort MacLeod
Stroll Down Main Street in Fort Macleod
While most towns have a main street that might be worth visiting, Fort MacLeod’s is special – it’s one of only two locations in Alberta that is a Designated Historical Area (the other one, if you are wondering, is Old Strathcona in Edmonton).
Back in 1982, Fort Macleod received a government grant assisting them in restoring the original buildings of the 1910-1920’s era. After a fire razed the existing wooden structures in 1906, a bylaw was put in to only allow brick and stone buildings to be erected on Main Street, which resulted in an amazing collection of architecture. Many films have been shot using the Main Street here as their background. Download a walking tour map, which will explain the original uses of the buildings.
Go Off the Beaten Track Horseback Riding in the Southwest
This is horse and ranch country, a mecca for those who want to spend some time adventuring on the back of one of these well-trained animals. You can choose to spend an hour, a half day, a full day, or even multiple days with one of the local outfitters, exploring the gorgeous scenery and area with little effort! No experience necessary, just a willingness to have some fun.
Soak in the scenery, wildlife and birdlife as your horse meanders down the mountain or foothills paths. If that is not enough of an experience for you, you may want to check out the list of working vacation ranches in this area of the province.
Hike Porcupine Hills Trail
Porcupine Hills lie between Highways 2 and 22 and are a lovely, scenic area that boasts of a fantastic trail that leads out and back, for a total of about 4 kilometers. This hike is great for all skill levels and, if you are travelling with a horse or a dog, they are also allowed on the trail.
Directions
Drive part of the Famous Cowboy Trail
As scenic drives go, this one is one of the best in the province, as it gives you the chance to not only view the working ranches, but also the beautiful rolling foothills, the unique sites and stops along the way, and glimpses of the incredible Rockies in the distance. Make time to stop to take pictures, soak in the atmosphere and remember that this is a unique and important area of the province.
This part of the Cowboy Trail extends from the town of Cardston to Chain Lakes Provincial Park. Follow Highways 5 and then 6 from the own of Cardston and through Pincher Creek to briefly join Highway 3 before connecting with Highway 22 just west of Lundbreck. From there, continue north to Chain Lakes Provincial Park, or take the scenic side trip down Highway 533 to the antiques and candy emporia of Nanton.
Golf in Spectacular Scenery
Within southwest Alberta there are some incredible courses to play if you are a golf lover. With four 18-hole courses – Cardston Lee Creek Golf Course,Crowsnest Pass Golf Course, The Bridges at Claresholm Golf Course, and Waterton Lakes Golf Course – if you are looking for a longer play time, you have plenty of choices. There are also four 9-hole courses to enjoy – Granum Golf and Country Club, Fort Macleod Golf Course, Stavely Golf Course, and Pincher Creek Golf Club. Take a week and play all of them!
Go Wind Chasing
Alberta is home to an incredible number of wind farms, and the ones in this area are certainly set in a stunning setting. Take a road trip to watch these turbines catch the constant westerly winds, and occasional supercharged winds of the Chinooks that blast over Cowley Ridge as they exit Crowsnest Pass.
The first wind farm in Canada, Cowley Ridge, was built in 1993 and there are 257 original turbines still turning, generating enough power for 7,500 homes per year.
Follow the directions to drive to Cowley Ridge Wind Farm, Castle River Wind Farm, and Kettles Hill Wind Farm.
Go Camping
Camping spots are few and far between these summers, so knowing where all the great spots are to camp in southwestern Alberta is a good thing. Plus, some of these are so off the beaten track that you will not have a problem finding a spot to hang out for a night or three. These campgrounds are gems – hidden within small provincial parks and recreation areas, found on family properties, and even in the small communities of the region. There are an incredible 39 campgrounds located within this stunning area, each with its own beauty and activities.
Explore Nanton
Within the town, there is so much history to explore, that you may need to plan for more than one day to see it all. From the towering grain elevators to antique shopping, to embracing the classic architecture of Main Street, to Nanton’s two museums, you will be able to truly get a sense of southern Alberta’s history.
For those in need of a sweet treat, head over to the Nanton Candy Store, which is, in our opinion, hands down one of best candy stores in the province. Along with all the most popular candies, you can almost always find those favourites from when you were a kid. On a hot day, one of the 30 flavours of hard ice cream that are on offer can help to cool you down!
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